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AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes is building what he hopes will be the region’s next “super app” while dealing with the coronavirus travel slowdown.
It wants to rival Grab, GoJek, and WeChat with an all-in-one app for food delivery, shopping, payments, entertainment, and travel.
As the head of the airline, he has been looking for new ways to generate income while his planes were on the ground.
AirAsia has fought through the pandemic and cut 30% of its staff.
In an interview with the BBC, Fernandes said he spent his time during the travel slump improving the AirAsia app and the company’s payments platform, BigPay.
“The recession was a blessing in disguise in a way, as it allowed us to focus more on it. Running an airline takes a lot of our time, but we have been given the opportunity and time to focus on our digital business.”
AirAsia already has a “rich database” of more than 60 million users as a starting point.
The AirAsia app, which also offers users a messaging service, has set its sights on super apps like Singapore-based Grab, Indonesia’s GoJek, and China’s Meituan.
“AirAsia has always been a digital company. We were one of the first airlines to sell online. It’s in our bloodstream,” added Fernandes, who is also a major shareholder in the English football club Queen’s Park Rangers (QPR).
“I know a super app sounds like a lofty goal, but Grab and GoJek also started out small as food or mobility apps. Also, people also questioned me in the same way when I said I wanted to start AirAsia.”
Fernandes’ airline has grown to become the largest budget airline in Asia.
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Thai pop star Jannine Weigel is Tony Fernandes’ first major RedRecords signing
Making music
Last year, AirAsia launched its own record label called RedRecords in association with Universal Music. The goal is to discover stars from Southeast Asia that will appeal to Western audiences.
The first major signing, Thai pop star Jannine Weigel, has already earned millions of followers on social media.
“Wow, we have something special with the record label. The Koreans have shown how Asian music can attract a global audience with K-pop and there is huge potential for Southeast Asia.”
“This also helps us engage with a younger audience and provides a lot of content for our application.”
